JP2004126663A - Trade support system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a trade support system in which a lead time from order reception to delivery is shortened. <P>SOLUTION: The trade support system 1 is provided with an invoice database made up of invoice information for preparing the invoice of merchandise carried in installments in a plurality of containers so as to be exported, a sorting means for outputting sorting information for associating respective merchandise with the containers on which the merchandise is loaded based on the invoice database and a transmitting means for transmitting container information for outputting a document to be used for trade for each container on which the merchandise is loaded to a purchaser based on the invoice information and the sorting information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a trade support system for supporting creation and communication of documents used for trade.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When exporting goods to foreign countries, sellers prepare numerous documents such as invoices, packing lists, shipping orders, certificates of origin, certificates of weight and volume. At the time of export customs clearance, an export declaration is made based on invoices, packing lists, and the like. If customs permits export declaration, the cargo can be loaded on transportation means such as ships and aircraft. In the case of sea transportation, a B / L is issued by the shipping company when the cargo is loaded, and the buyer can pick up the cargo from the shipping company when the B / L reaches the buyer by import settlement. At the time of customs clearance, an import declaration is made based on invoices, packing lists, and the like. If customs permits the import declaration, the buyer is free to distribute the goods in the importing country. In this way, trade procedures are performed using documents such as invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
[0003]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a method in which documents used for trade, such as an invoice, a packing list, and a certificate of origin, are created by a computer of a seller and transmitted to a buyer through a communication network (for example, see Patent Document 1). Reduce the cost of creating documents such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc. for export and import declarations based on data from the backbone system that manages inventory and sales. Can be. In addition, by obtaining documents such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc. used for export and import declarations through a communication network at an early stage and preparing for declarations, the lead time from ordering to delivery can be shortened. .
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-66171
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional method, a document to be used for trade is created for each flight of transportation means such as a ship or an aircraft, or for each order, and thus has the following problem.
[0006]
Generally, customs clearance is performed for each invoice, so if there are many quantities and types of products to be loaded in one flight, all products loaded in one flight will be combined based on the invoice created for each flight. If you do so, the time required for customs clearance will be longer. In general, products for a plurality of buyers that meet conditions such as a delivery date and a port are transported together in one flight. There is a demand for smoothing customs clearance and unpacking by grouping products for each buyer on the same flight. However, if documents such as invoices and packing list certificates of origin are created for each flight or for each order, it is difficult to identify the container where the goods for a particular buyer are loaded and unpack the goods. It takes time and effort. Therefore, if customs procedures are carried out based on invoices created for each flight, the time required from factory shipment in the exporting country to receipt of goods in the importing country will be longer, and as a result, lead from ordering to delivery will be increased. The time becomes longer.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a trade support system capable of shortening a lead time from order placement to delivery.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a trade support system according to the present invention includes an invoice database organized with invoice information for creating an invoice for goods to be exported by being divided into a plurality of containers; Sorting means for outputting, based on the invoice database, sorting information relating the container on which the product is loaded, and a document used for trade based on the invoice information and the sorting information for each container on which the product is loaded. Transmitting means for transmitting container information to be output to the buyer.
[0009]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the trade support system concerning this invention, the container information for outputting the document used for the trade of the goods divided into a some container and exported is transmitted to a buyer. For this reason, the buyer can proceed with the import procedure such as import declaration for each container, so that the lead time from order placement to delivery can be shortened.
[0010]
Further, the trade support system according to the present invention is characterized by further comprising means for transmitting the container information to a seller. For this reason, the seller can perform inventory management, shipping processing, export customs procedures, and the like for each container.
[0011]
Further, in the trade support system according to the present invention, the short-term storage database organized from the container information, the long-term storage database having a larger number of records than the short-term storage database, and the container information read from the short-term storage database And a means for deleting records from the short-term storage database in FIFO order, wherein the transmission means transmits the container information from the short-term storage database to a buyer. It is desirable.
[0012]
Further, the trade support system according to the present invention preferably further comprises means for inputting the B / L image data and means for transmitting the B / L image data to the buyer.
[0013]
Further, the trade support system according to the present invention is further characterized by further comprising: means for inputting a document output based on the container information and a B / L collation result; and means for transmitting the collation result to a buyer. And Since the document used for the import declaration must be matched with the B / L, the buyer can proceed with the import procedure at an appropriate time by waiting for the reception of the B / L matching result.
[0014]
Further, in the trade support system according to the present invention, the container information is a document file for printing an invoice for each container. For this reason, a trade procedure such as an import declaration can be made based on the invoice for each container, so that the lead time from ordering to delivery can be shortened.
[0015]
Further, in the trade support system according to the present invention, the container information is a document file for printing a packing list for each container. For this reason, a trade procedure such as an import declaration can be made based on the packing list for each container, so that the lead time from ordering to delivery can be shortened.
[0016]
Further, in the trade support system according to the present invention, the container information is a document file for printing a list of containers on which goods are loaded. For this reason, a trade procedure such as an export declaration can be performed using a list of containers, so that a lead time from ordering to delivery can be reduced.
[0017]
Further, the trade support system according to the present invention outputs the document file by combining the image data of the signature with the image data of the signature and the image data for printing the unsigned invoice for each container. It is desirable to further comprise a means for performing.
[0018]
Each function of the plurality of means provided in the present invention is realized by a hardware resource whose function is specified by the configuration itself, a hardware resource whose function is specified by a program, or a combination thereof. The functions of the plurality of means are not limited to those realized by hardware resources which are physically independent of each other.
[0019]
In addition, the present invention can be specified not only as a system invention, but also as a program invention, a recording medium recording the program, and a method invention.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on a plurality of examples.
[0021]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a trade procedure using a trade support system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a trade support system 1 that exports products produced by a corporation (seller) having a production base in the first country to a local corporation (buyer) having a sales base in the second country and operates in the first country An example in which documents used for import / export (trade) are centrally managed will be described. The trade support system 1 is located in the first country where the head office is located, and the seller may be a local corporation having a production base in the third country. Hereinafter, an outline of the trade performed using the trade support system 1 will be described.
(1) The trade support system 1 includes an invoice (IV) for each container, a packing list (PL) for each container, a list of containers (CL), a shipping order (SO), a certificate of origin (CO), and when necessary. Sends a document file such as a freight insurance policy to the seller as container information.
[0022]
(2) The seller outputs SO and CL as documents to be used for trade based on the container information, and brings it to the shipping company to apply for shipping of goods.
(3) The shipping company issues a formal SO to the seller to hand over to the master.
[0023]
(4) When the ship enters the port, the seller brings the container loaded with the goods and the SO, hands the SO to the master, and requests shipping.
(5) When the loading is completed, the master confirms the status of loading of the container, issues a not-shown receipt, and hands it to the seller as a freight receipt.
[0024]
(6) The seller brings the metres receipt to the shipping company and pays the marine freight, etc., and in exchange for this, the shipping company issues a bill of lading (B / L).
(7) The seller reads the B / L with the image scanner and registers it in the trade support system 1 as image data.
[0025]
(8) The seller outputs IV, PL and CO as documents to be used for trade based on the container information, and together with the B / L issued by the shipping company, the original document (one document) required for one trade As a currency exchange bank, make a draft of the bill, have the bank purchase it, and cash the loaded goods.
[0026]
(9) The exchange bank that bought the bill sends the original document to the foreign exchange bank of the import destination to collect the purchase price.
(10) The trade support system 1 transmits IV, PL, and CO document files and B / L image data to the buyer as container information.
[0027]
(11) The buyer outputs the container information transmitted from the trade support system 1 and brings it to the exchange bank as a copy of the document, buys the bill in exchange for the document (copy) and the price, and purchases the document. (Original). Next, bring the original B / L to the shipping company and pay the maritime freight. In exchange, the shipping company issues a delivery order (D / O) to the master.
[0028]
(12) When the vessel enters the port, the buyer gives the D / O to the master and receives the container from the vessel.
The above is a summary of one trade. The details of each document used for trade will be described later.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the trade support system 1. The trade support system 1 includes a main server 10, a stowage support server 20, and a document sharing server 30. The backbone server 10 is a computer on which an invoice database organized with invoice information for creating invoices for products to be exported by being divided into a plurality of containers is operated. The stowage support server 20 as a sorting unit is a computer that outputs sorting information relating each product to a container on which the product is loaded based on an invoice database. The document sharing server 30 as a transmission unit is a computer that transmits container information for outputting a document used for trade for each container on which goods are loaded to a buyer based on the invoice information and the sorting information. As shown in the figure, the trade support system 1 is interconnected with a core sales base system 40 operating at a sales base in the second country and a main production base system 41 operating at a production base in the first country via a network N such as a dedicated line or a telephone line. Is communicably connected to
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of each server.
The main server 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a hard disk (HD) 14, an input device 15 such as a mouse and a keyboard, a display device 16 such as a CRT, and a network interface (I / F) 17, and is interconnected by a bus. ing. The CPU 11 executes a database management program and a document creation program stored in the ROM 12 and the hard disk 14. The ROM 12 is a memory in which programs and data required at least for the operation of the CPU 11 are stored in advance. The RAM 13 is a memory for temporarily storing various programs, data, and the like. The hard disk 14 stores various programs such as an operating system (OS), a document creation program, a database management program, and various data such as invoice information and sorting information. The network interface 17 is configured to be connectable to a network by, for example, a network interface card.
[0031]
The stowage support server 20 has the same configuration as the core server 10. The hard disk 24 of the stowage support server 20 stores an operating system (OS), a stowage support program, and the like.
[0032]
The document sharing server 30 includes an external storage device 37 using an external storage medium such as a CD-R in addition to the configuration of the stowage support server 20, and further includes an image scanner 50 as an image reading device via the device interface 31. Is connected. The hard disk 39 of the document sharing server 30 stores various programs such as an operating system (OS), a document sharing program, a user interface (UI) program, a database management program, and various data such as container information described later. . In the document sharing server 30, the database is logically divided into a database for each sales base (database for each sales base) and a database for each production base (database for each production base). And a long-term storage database 39b. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the sales bases are located in Europe and North America, and the production bases are located in Asia. Therefore, the European DB and the North American DB in the figure are sales base-specific databases, and the Asian DB is a production base-specific database. The container information is transferred to the long-term storage database 39b after a predetermined period has elapsed since the container information was registered in the sales-base database and the production-base database as the short-term storage database 39a. Details will be described later.
[0033]
Although the database for each sales base and the database for each production base in this embodiment are divided according to regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia, they may be divided according to countries such as France, Germany, and the United States.
[0034]
Note that these programs and various data may be input by downloading from a predetermined server via a network, or may be input by reading from a computer-readable storage medium such as a removable memory (not shown).
[0035]
Next, invoice information and sorting information registered in the invoice database of the core server 10 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of the invoice information. The invoice information is information for creating an invoice or the like of a product to be exported by being divided into a plurality of containers. In the figure, "*" is a symbol indicating that a plurality of data having the same structure exist. Invoice information includes invoice number, destination information (buyer, consignee, etc.), payment method (FOB price (or CIF price), payment deadline, etc.), transportation method (departure, destination, etc.), seller information, date , Case mark information (buyer abbreviation, destination, place of origin, etc.), product description information (order number, number of packages, packing form, product name, part number, specifications, quantity per package, gross weight, net weight, length, width, Height, packing volume, packing serial number), price information (currency unit, unit price, price condition), and the like. Here, the invoice number is a number for uniquely identifying the invoice information. The case mark information is information described on a label attached to the cargo, and will be described later in detail. The order number is an identification number given to each order unit. The invoice information is information registered in the invoice database by another system such as an order management system. Order information of a plurality of orders handled as one shipping lot is collected and registered as one invoice information. You. Specifically, for example, order information representing an order from a retail store is transmitted online from the sales base to the order management system, and registered in an order information database for managing the order. At this time, an order number is given to the order information. The order management system reads out the stock information and the production information from a stock information database for managing the stock information of the product and a production information database for managing the production information of the product, respectively, and compares (allocates) the order information with the order information. As a result, the products to be shipped from the current stock and future production are specified. The results are reflected in the stock information database and the production information database. The seller adjusts the shipping schedule, transportation method, etc. with the shipping company based on those databases, and determines an order to be handled as one shipping lot. The order management system assigns the same invoice number to order information of each order handled as one shipping lot. Next, the order information having the same invoice number is obtained from the order information database, and the quantity per package, gross weight, net weight, packing volume, currency unit, unit price, price specified by the order information are acquired. The conditions and the like are read from the product information database, invoice information is created together with the transportation method, destination information, and the like, and registered in the invoice database. Thereby, the invoice information is registered.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of the sorting information. Sorting information is information that associates a product with a container on which the product is loaded. If the products specified by the invoice information cannot be fully loaded in one container, those products are divided into a plurality of containers. Sorting information is a specification for each container, which represents which container is loaded with which product. The sorting information includes an invoice number, a container number, and merchandise information (part number, number of packages).
[0037]
Next, a program (trade support program) for causing the core server 10, the stowage support server 20, and the document sharing server 30 to function as the trade support system 1 will be described.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a data flow diagram of the trade support program. The trade support program includes a stowage support program executed by the stowage support server 20, a document creation program executed by the core server 10, a document sharing program executed by the document sharing server 30, and a user interface (UI) program. The stowage support program causes the stowage support server 20 to execute the stowage support process 51, and the document creation program causes the main server 10 to execute the document creation process 52 and the layout editing process 53. The document sharing program causes the document sharing server 30 to execute the document sharing process 54 and the backup process 55. The UI program causes the document sharing server 30 to execute a reading process 56, a collation process 57, and a document output process 58.
[0039]
The stowage support process 51 is a process for outputting sorting information based on an invoice database. The stowage support process 51 causes the operator of the trade support system 1 to simulate on the screen using information such as the product name, the number of packages, and the volume of the packages included in the invoice information, and determines the arrangement of the products to be loaded in the container. Let me decide. Hereinafter, the flow of the processing for determining the arrangement will be described based on a plurality of screens output by the stowage support process 51.
[0040]
FIG. 7 shows a container setting dialog 60 for selecting a container. When the stowage support program is started in the stowage support server 20, the stowage support process 51 is started, and a main menu (not shown) is displayed. When "Invoice information" is selected in the main menu, an invoice information selection dialog is displayed, and the operator selects invoice information to be stowed in the dialog. The container setting dialog 60 is displayed by selecting “container registration” on the main menu after invoice information is selected. After inputting the container number for uniquely identifying the container in the “container number”, the operator selects a target container size (vertical, vertical, etc.) from various pre-registered containers displayed as a list in the “container code”. Select a container that matches the width and height) and the weight limit. This is repeated for the number of containers that are deemed necessary. This registers the container.
[0041]
FIG. 8 is a stowage main screen 61 for performing a stowage simulation. The stowage main screen 61 is displayed by double-clicking the target container with the mouse in the container setting dialog 60. In the stowage main screen 61, the display area A is an area for displaying the number of the container currently being processed. The display area D is an area for displaying a list of products included in the invoice information. The display area E is an area for displaying a two-dimensional plan view showing the status of the stocking of commodities, and is an area that is the center of the placement work. Specifically, the placement operation is performed by moving the mouse to an arbitrary product in the product list, pressing the mouse button, moving the mouse to a desired position on the plan view, and releasing the mouse button at the destination, so-called dragging & Done by drop. When the product is dropped, a frame having a size and a shape corresponding to the packing volume of the product is newly displayed on the plan view. In the plan view, the layout can be simulated by freely moving the frame by mouse operation, and thereby the operator can determine the optimum layout. At this time, it is preferable to lay out items that are urgently shipped, that is, items whose delivery date is earlier, so that they are stacked in the same container in order number units. The display area C is an area for displaying a perspective view showing a three-dimensional view of the state of stocking of commodities. The display area B is an area for displaying detailed information of a product when any product is selected in the plan view. The display area F is an area in which command buttons for the operator to input various operation commands are displayed. When the "save" button is pressed, the arrangement result of the container is stored.
[0042]
When the end is selected in the main menu after the arrangement for all the containers is determined, the stowage support process 51 creates sorting information based on the arrangement for each container and registers it in the invoice database of the core server 10. .
[0043]
The stowage support process 51 according to the present embodiment uses a two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrangement of a document (picking list) used by the seller to issue the goods to be exported from the warehouse and the container in which the goods are stowed. A process of creating a diagram (container load plan) to be represented based on the arrangement result and registering the diagram in the production site database of the document sharing server 30 is also performed. The picking list and the container load plan registered in the production site-specific database are transmitted to the production site by a document sharing process 54 described later. Hereinafter, the picking list and the container load plan will be described.
[0044]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the picking list 62. The picking list 62 is a document used by the seller to issue goods to be exported from the warehouse, and includes an I / D, a product number, a specification, a quantity (= the number of packages × a quantity per package), a quantity per package, and a serial number of the package. , The number of packages, the invoice number for each container, etc. are described.
[0045]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the container load plan 63. The container load plan 63 is a document used by the seller for loading goods into the container. The container load plan 63 includes a plan view and a perspective view of a state in which the package is laid out in two-dimensional and three-dimensional manners. Rate) and stowage weight are displayed in a graph, and other information such as invoice number by container, container number, container serial number, container code, container size (length, width, height), stowage weight, number of packages, etc. are described. You. Here, the container serial number is a serial number assigned to the container registered in the above “container registration”. In the drawing, the numbers assigned to the respective frames in the plan view indicate the I / Ds shown in FIG. 9, whereby the products arranged at the positions indicated by the respective frames in FIG. 10 are specified.
[0046]
In this embodiment, the case where the operator places each product by mouse operation is described as an example. However, the stowage support process 51 may automatically perform the process from selection to placement of the container. At that time, it is also possible to preferentially select containers not for each product but for each order number.
[0047]
The document creation process 52 shown in FIG. 6 is a process for creating container information for outputting a document used for trade for each container on which goods are loaded, based on the invoice information and the sorting information. The container information is created for each document as an electronic file (document file) for printing various documents used for trade.
[0048]
Here, documents used for trade will be described. Specifically, the documents used for trade here include invoice (IV) for each container, packing list (PL) for each container, list of containers (CL), shipping order (SO), and certificate of origin (CO). ). If necessary, the freight insurance policy may be included in the document used for trade. Hereinafter, each document will be described.
[0049]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an invoice (IV) 64 for each container. The invoice 64 for each container includes an invoice number for each container, destination information (buyer, consignee), case mark information (buyer abbreviation, destination, place of origin, etc.), order number, packing serial number, packing number, packing form, Information such as the product name, product number, specifications, quantity per package, currency unit, unit price, and total unit price are described. The invoice is a document required for export declaration, and the invoice 64 for each container is an invoice created for each product specified by the invoice information in units of the container specified by the sorting information. Here, the container-specific invoice number is obtained by adding a container serial number of a container corresponding to the invoice as a branch number after the invoice number. The invoice must be signed and is usually signed by hand on a printed sheet. However, since the signature may be valid even if it is a printed signature instead of a handwritten one, the document creation process 52 of the present embodiment uses the signature image data and the unsigned invoice for each container for printing. Outputs a document file that combines image data. More specifically, for example, the document creation process 52 causes the image scanner 50 to read the paper signed by the person in charge, and stores the image data created by the image scanner 50 and representing the signature on the hard disk of the document sharing server 30. . After the invoice 64 for each container is created as a document file, the document file created in a predetermined format is converted into image data such as JPEG, for example, and combined with the image data of the signature.
[0050]
In some countries, only designated paper is accepted. In such a case, the information for printing ruled lines should not be included in the document file as an invoice for each container, and only the text information should be printed on the designated paper. You may.
[0051]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a packing list (PL) 65 for each container. The contents described in the packing list 65 for each container are almost the same as the invoice 64 for each container, but the gross including the weight of the case in which the product is packed is replaced with the quantity, unit price, and total unit price per package. The weight, net weight excluding the case, and packing volume are described.
[0052]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a container list (CL) 66. In the container list 66, an invoice number for each container, a container number, and a container serial number are described. When a document file for printing the container list (CL) 66 is sent to the seller, trade procedures such as export declaration can be performed using the container list, thereby shortening the lead time from ordering to delivery. be able to.
[0053]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a shipping order (SO) 67. The shipping order 67 describes an invoice number for each container, a transportation method (destination, ship name, etc.), the number of containers, and the like.
[0054]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the certificate of origin 73. The certificate of origin 73 describes an invoice number for each container, destination information (buyer, consignee), transportation method (destination, ship name, etc.), case mark information, product description information, and the like.
[0055]
When the creation of each document file is completed, the document creation process 52 registers the IV, PL, CL, SO, and CO of the created document in the database for each production site of the document sharing server 30 and stores the IV and PL in the corresponding document. Register in the database for each sales base. Further, the created document file name is registered in the document list data stored in the hard disk 39 of the document sharing server 30. The document list data is data used to manage the status of each document, and will be described later in detail.
[0056]
The layout editing process 53 shown in FIG. 6 is a process for editing the print layout of the case mark information. Case mark information is information written on the label attached to the case to uniquely identify the case in which the product was packed, created by the order management system, and included in the invoice information as part of the invoice information. Registered in the invoice database. The case mark information is described on the label attached to the case, and also described on the invoice (IV) for each container and the packing list (PL) for each container as described above. Hereinafter, the flow of the process of editing the case mark print layout will be described based on a plurality of screens output by the layout edit process 53.
[0057]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an invoice list screen 68 for displaying a list of invoice information. The invoice list screen 68 displays the invoice number and date included in the invoice information registered in the invoice database, and the operator selects the invoice number whose layout is to be edited on this screen.
[0058]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a case mark screen 69 displaying case mark information. The case mark screen 69 is displayed by double-clicking the target invoice information on the invoice list screen 68. The case mark screen 69 has a menu (not shown), and the operator can print the case mark by selecting “print” from the menu.
[0059]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an edit screen 70 for editing the print layout of the case mark information. The edit screen is displayed by selecting “edit” from a menu (not shown) on the case mark screen 69 described above. In printing, not all the case mark information is printed but only some data. Therefore, only the print frame for the data to be printed is displayed on the edit screen 70, and the operator edits the print layout of the case mark information on this screen. The edited layout information is registered in the invoice database, and is registered in the production site-specific database by a document creation process 52 described later. The layout information registered in the production site-specific database is transmitted to the production site backbone system 41 together with container information by a document sharing process 54 described later, and printed and pasted on a case by the seller.
[0060]
The document sharing process 54 shown in FIG. 6 is a process for transmitting container information to a sales base as a buyer and a production base as a seller. The document sharing process 54 transmits the document file registered in the sales base-specific database to the sales base backbone system 40 operating at the corresponding sales base, at a predetermined timing, for example, at a predetermined time interval such as every 24 hours, and transmits. An e-mail notifying that the transmission has been made later is transmitted to the sales base. The same applies to the production base database. Note that the document sharing process 54 of the present embodiment transmits a document file registered in the sales base-specific database at a timing when a collation result described later is input. The transmission of the document file is specifically performed using, for example, a replication function provided in the database. Here, the replication function is a function for maintaining a copy of the same data among a plurality of geographically dispersed databases. In the following description, transmission of a document file by the replication function is referred to as “replicate”. When the container information is transmitted to the seller, the seller can perform inventory management, shipping processing, export customs clearance procedures, and the like for each container.
[0061]
The backup process 55 is a process for backing up container information stored in the short-term storage database 39a to the long-term storage database 39b. Specifically, a record that has passed three months or more after being registered in the short-term storage database 39a is registered in the long-term storage database 39b. Here, the long-term storage database 39b is a database having a larger storage capacity than the short-term storage database 39a and capable of storing more records. After registration, the record is deleted from the short-term storage database 39a. Since three months pass earlier for a record registered earlier, a record registered earlier is deleted earlier. That is, the records in the short-term storage database 39a are deleted in FIFO (First In First Out) order. In general, trade is often completed within three months, taking into account the number of transportation days, so records that have passed three months or more are rarely referenced. If a record with a small number of references is kept stored, the search speed or the like will be reduced. Therefore, if the records are deleted in FIFO order, the short-term storage database 39a can be used efficiently with a small storage capacity.
[0062]
The backup process 55 according to the present embodiment stores a record that has passed a predetermined period of time, such as nine months or more, in an external storage medium such as a CD-R as a record that is unlikely to be referred to. Delete from the database 39b. Deleting a record that is unlikely to be referenced from the long-term storage database 39b allows the storage area of the long-term storage database 39b to be used effectively.
[0063]
The reading process 56 is a process of causing the image scanner 50 to read B / L (Bill of Lading), and storing the image data created by the image scanner 50 and representing the B / L in a database for each sales base. . When the UI program is started in the document sharing server 30, the document sharing server 30 displays a main menu (not shown) on the display device. When reading is instructed from the main menu by the operator with the B / L placed on the image scanner 50, a reading process 56 is started, and the image scanner 50 is controlled to read an image. When image data representing the B / L is created by the image scanner 50, the reading process 56 displays a dialog for designating a sales base to which the B / L is to be transmitted, and designates one sales base to the operator. Let it. When a sales base is specified, the reading process 56 stores the image data in a sales base-specific database corresponding to the specified sales base. The stored image data is transmitted to the sales base system 40 as one piece of container information by the document sharing process 54. By transmitting the B / L as image data to the sales base system 40 of the buyer, the seller can reduce the trouble of mailing a copy.
[0064]
The collation process 57 is a process of performing a process of inputting a collation result between the document output based on the container information and the B / L. The document output based on the container information here specifically refers to an invoice (IV, a packing list (PL) and a certificate of origin (CO) for each container, This means checking whether the contents described in the document and the contents described in the B / L match with each other, that is, the collation process 57 according to the present embodiment is performed until the import / export can be started. A collation process 57 outputs a collation result input screen (see FIG. 19) for inputting a collation result to the display device 36. The operator describes IV and PL later. The document is output in the document output process 58 and collated with B / L, and the status is changed from uncollated to collated on the collation result input screen.
[0065]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a collation result input screen 71. The collation process 57 performs an invoice (IV) name for each container, a packing list (PL) name, a certificate of origin (CO) name for each container based on the document list data stored in the hard disk 39 of the document sharing server 30. And B / L names are displayed in a list by classifying each month and each document as shown. The collation result input screen has a field “status” representing the collation result. In the initial state, when any of the documents are not ready or when the contents do not match, a diamond icon indicating that it has not been collated is displayed in the status of the document as a batch . When the contents match, the operator clicks the right button in the area where the document of the document is displayed to display a menu. When "Complete" is selected from the menu, an icon indicating that the documents of the single document have been collated at once is displayed and reflected on the document list data. Thereby, the collation result is input.
[0066]
When the collation result is input, the sales base-specific database 40 is replicated, and the document sharing process 54 notifies the sales base backbone system by e-mail. That is, the fact that the replication has been performed is transmitted to the buyer as a result of the comparison. When the verification result is transmitted to the buyer, the buyer can proceed with the import procedure at an appropriate time by waiting for the reception of the B / L verification result.
[0067]
If the third country and the first country are different countries, the seller of the third country faxes the B / L to the operator of the first country at the time of shipment. When the operator obtains the FAX, it checks whether or not the contents match the contents of IV, PL, and CO. If the contents match, the operator confirms only the IV, PL, and CO. At the same time, the seller mails the original of the B / L to the operator, and the operator reads the obtained original with the image scanner 50, and makes the B / L verified at that time.
[0068]
The document output process 58 shown in FIG. 6 includes an invoice screen for displaying an invoice for each container, a packing list screen for displaying a packing list for each container, a container list screen, a shipping order screen, and a certificate of origin screen. This is a process of outputting a container load plan screen, a picking list screen, and the like to the display device 36 and displaying them almost in a layout that is printed out. When a menu item for displaying a target document is selected in the main menu described above, a list of documents that can be displayed is displayed. When the user double-clicks with the mouse, the document is displayed on the screen. Printing can be instructed from each screen, and the document output process 58 outputs the document currently displayed on the screen to the printer when the printing is instructed by the operator. The screens displayed by the document output process 58 are used by a person at the headquarters who centrally manages trade in the first country to check the contents of the document or to output the document used by the operator for the above-mentioned collation. Can be Note that the display contents of each screen are almost the same as the results printed and output, so that the details are omitted.
[0069]
Next, the operation of the trade support system 1 will be described.
FIG. 20 is a sequence chart showing a flow of trade using the trade support system 1. In the following description, an example will be described in which the document sharing server 30 replicates to the sales base system 40 at the timing when the collation result between the B / L and the container information registered in the sales base database is input.
[0070]
In S105, the operator determines the arrangement for each container in the stowage support server 20, and the stowage support server 20 creates sorting information, a picking list, and a container load plan based on the determined arrangement.
[0071]
In S110, the stowage support server 20 registers the sorting information in the invoice database of the main server 10.
In S115, the stowage support server 20 registers the picking list and the container load plan in the production site database of the document sharing server 30.
[0072]
In S120, the operator edits the print layout of the case mark information on the main server 10.
In S125, the core server 10 creates container information based on the invoice information and the sorting information.
[0073]
In S130, the core server 10 registers the created container information in the corresponding sales base database of the document sharing server 30, and registers the container information and the layout information in the production base database.
In S135, the document sharing server 30 replicates the production base database to the production base backbone system 41.
[0074]
In S140, the document sharing server 30 notifies the production base that the replication has been performed by automatically sending an e-mail to the production base.
In S145, the production base accesses the production base core system 41 by receiving the e-mail, outputs container information and the like, and starts shipping.
[0075]
In S150, the operator reads the B / L with the image scanner 50, and the document sharing server 30 registers the image data in the corresponding sales base database.
[0076]
In S155, the operator checks the issued B / L against the contents of the invoice (IV) for each container, the packing list (PL) for each container, and the certificate of origin (CO). Mark the result as verified.
In S160, the document sharing server 30 replicates the sales base-specific database to the sales base backbone system 40 at the timing when the B / L verification result has been verified.
[0077]
In S165, the document sharing server 30 notifies the sales base that the container information is ready by automatically transmitting an e-mail.
In S170, the operator at the sales office knows that all the container information has been prepared by receiving the e-mail, and prints out the image data of the IV, PL and B / L replicated in the sales office backbone system 40. . As a result, it becomes possible for the buyer to proceed with trade procedures such as import declaration for each container.
[0078]
In the present embodiment, the case where the database for each sales base is replicated at the timing when the collation result for B / L is input has been described as an example. The data may be replicated at the same timing as the data is replicated, or may be replicated at predetermined time intervals such as every 24 hours.
[0079]
Further, in this embodiment, the B / L image data is also transmitted by replication, but the B / L image data may be attached to an e-mail and transmitted.
Further, the reading process 56, the collation process 57, and the stowage support process 51 may be performed by a terminal such as a shipping company. In this case, it is possible to shorten the time from the acquisition of the B / L.
[0080]
According to the trade support system 1 of the first embodiment described above, an invoice (IV) for each container, a packing list (PL) for each container, and the like are transmitted to the sales base as container information. Since the IV and PL are created for each container, the buyer can carry out customs clearance for each container. For example, even if the quantity and type of goods loaded in one flight is large, multiple orders are collected. However, by performing the customs clearance procedure on the container loaded with the required products first, it is possible to receive the products without waiting for customs clearance of all the products to be completed. Also, when unpacking of a certain product is requested at the time of customs clearance, since the IV and PL are created for each container, it is easy to identify the container in which the product is loaded and open the product, The time required for unpacking can be reduced. Therefore, if the customs clearance procedure is carried out based on the invoice created for each container, the time required from factory shipment in the exporting country to receipt of the goods in the importing country is shortened. Therefore, according to the trade support system 1 of the present embodiment, the lead time from order placement to delivery can be reduced.
[0081]
Further, according to the trade support system 1 of the first embodiment, since the documents used for trade are centrally managed by the trade support system 1, the reliability of the documents is increased, and the identity between the seller and the buyer is ensured. Eliminating the need to fax or mail documents is no longer necessary. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of the document and reduce the labor involved in the trade procedure.
[0082]
Further, according to the trade support system 1 of the first embodiment, the fact that the replication has been performed is transmitted by e-mail, so that the sales base can immediately know that the customs clearance procedure can be started. By accessing the system 40, documents required for an import declaration can be output, and the customs clearance procedure can be taken immediately without waiting for FAX transmission or mailing. Therefore, the lead time from order placement to delivery can be further reduced.
[0083]
(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment is an example of a case where container information is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted. In the second embodiment, a description of portions substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0084]
The document sharing process 54 of the second embodiment attaches container information to an e-mail according to the contents set on the e-mail setting screen and automatically transmits the e-mail to a sales base or a production base.
[0085]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an e-mail setting screen 72. When "valid" is selected in "automatic transmission", the document sharing process 54 attaches the document file to an electronic mail and automatically transmits the electronic mail. The “mail address” is an electronic mail address to which the document file is transmitted. "When to send?" Is a field for specifying when to send an e-mail. When "when invoice arrangement is completed" is selected, it is transmitted for advance notice about 15 days before shipping. If "when the B / L arrangement is completed" is selected, the B / L collation result is transmitted at the timing when the collation has been completed. “Which document do you want to send?” Is a column for designating the type of the document to be sent and the state of the document, and the document in the corresponding state is to be sent.
[0086]
According to the trade support system of the second embodiment, container information can be transmitted to a sales base or production base without the sales base management system 40 or the production base management system 41.
[0087]
In the case of a sales base or a production base without the sales base backbone system 40 or the production base backbone system 41, the trade support system may be accessible through a line such as the Internet.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of trade using a trade support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a trade support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of invoice information of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of sorting information of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a data flow diagram of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one screen for creating sorting information in the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a view showing one screen for creating sorting information in the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a picking list of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a container load plan of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an invoice for each container in the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a packing list for each container in the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of containers in the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a document output to the shipping company by the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a certificate of origin as one of container information of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen displaying a list of invoice information of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a screen for displaying a case mark of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a view showing a screen for editing a print layout of case marks of the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a view showing a screen for inputting a collation result in the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a sequence chart showing a flow of trade using the trade support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a screen for performing an e-mail transmission setting in the trade support system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Trade support system
10 backbone server
14 Hard Disk (Invoice Database)
20 stowage support server (sorting means)
30 Document sharing server (transmission means)
39a Short-term storage database
39b Long-term storage database
50 Image Scanner

Claims (11)

An invoice database organized with invoice information for creating an invoice for goods to be exported in a plurality of containers,
Sorting means for outputting sorting information relating each product to a container on which the product is loaded based on the invoice database;
Transmission means for transmitting to the buyer container information for outputting a document used for trade based on the invoice information and the sorting information for each container on which goods are loaded,
A trade support system comprising: 2. The trade support system according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting the container information to a seller. A short-term storage database organized from the container information;
A long-term storage database having a greater number of records than the short-term storage database,
Means for inputting the container information read from the short-term storage database to the long-term storage database,
Means for deleting records in the FIFO order from the short-term storage database,
3. The trade support system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the container information from the short-term storage database to a buyer. 4. Means for inputting B / L image data;
Means for transmitting the B / L image data to the buyer;
The trade support system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising: Means for inputting a collation result between the document output based on the container information and the B / L;
Means for transmitting the verification result to the buyer,
The trade support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: 6. The trade support system according to claim 1, wherein the container information is a document file for printing an invoice for each container. 6. The trade support system according to claim 1, wherein the container information is a document file for printing a packing list for each container. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container information is a document file for printing a list of containers on which products are loaded. Means for inputting signature image data;
Means for combining the image data of the signature and image data for printing an unsigned invoice for each container and outputting the document file;
The trade support system according to claim 6, further comprising: Outputs sorting information that associates each product with the container on which the product is loaded, based on an invoice database organized with invoice information for creating invoices for products that are to be exported in multiple containers. Sorting step
A transmitting step of transmitting container information to the buyer for outputting a document used for trade based on the invoice information and the sorting information for each container on which goods are loaded,
A trade support method comprising: Based on an invoice database organized with invoice information for creating invoices for products to be divided into a plurality of containers and exported, sort information relating each product to a container in which the products are loaded is output. Sorting means,
Transmitting means for transmitting to the buyer container information for outputting a document used for trade based on the invoice information and the sorting information for each container on which goods are loaded,
Program to make a computer function as a computer.

Images